Moody

The shock election victory for the UK’s Conservative Party triggered a rally in UK asset classes on Friday; however, in the aftermath of the election questions are being asked about the future of the UK’s EU membership now that the Conservatives are firmly back in power.

A strengthening labor market and lower gasoline prices mean Americans have extra cash for the holidays. Some economists are forecasting the money will keep flowing into, and out of, consumers’ pockets next year.

Stronger demand for goods and services is prompting companies to hold the line on firings and expand headcount. Continued progress in the labor market will be needed to boost aggregate income and drive consumer spending, which accounts for almost 70 percent of the economy.

The Conference Board’s index decreased to 86 this month, weaker than the most pessimistic forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists, from an August reading of 93.4 that was the strongest since October 2007, the New York-based private research group said today.